Merge vs Yield…

Happy Monday! I do hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Unfortunately, we were driving both days, so it really didn’t seem like Easter yesterday, just another regular day. Could be because my children are all grown, too (not being the Easter Bunny or waking the family for a sunrise service).

We made both of our deliveries in Memphis this morning and are headed west across Arkansas towards our final Tuesday delivery in MO. I’ve been noticing there is no observed difference between yielding and merging when it comes to utilizing a highway or interstate on-ramp. Theoretically yes, all of us drivers and individuals with IQ’s above ‘Legally Alive’ understand that there SHOULD be a difference in how one behaves in both of those circumstances . . . For example, I found these steps for merging and yielding on eHow.com (yes, these are really listed):

How to Merge Into Highway Traffic

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Use the entire length of the ramp and the acceleration lane at the end of the ramp to reach the prevailing speed on the freeway.

Adjust your speed, if necessary, to be ready to move into a gap in traffic when you reach the end of the acceleration lane. Look for a large enough gap in traffic so that a motorist on the freeway will not need to adjust his speed to allow you to merge. Use your turn signal to alert other motorists of your intention to merge.

Merge into the freeway traffic lane when it can be done safely. Ramp traffic must yield to traffic that is already on the freeway.

If the freeway traffic is very heavy and slow-moving, it may be necessary to slow or stop on the ramp prior to safely merging into traffic. Do not drive across painted islands, on the shoulders, or leave the paved area to enter gaps in traffic.

How to Yield to Traffic

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Enter a highway, turnpike or interstate by driving down the on ramp and preparing to yield right of way to traffic already on said highway. Inch your speed up slowly. Look at the oncoming traffic to decide if you need to come to a stop or if you can blend in without cutting off a driver already on the road.

Prepare to yield right of way to traffic at yield signs. When you see a yield sign coming up, slow down and prepare to stop if conditions warrant it. You may proceed with caution when it’s safe to do so.

Okay…really?! I’ve considered making a sign to hold up in my window that says “Push on the Gas Idiot!”. Another pet peeve is those that decide to pass a semi on the right. I’ve seen stickers on the back of semi trailers that say “Passing Side” on the left and “Suicide” on the right. That about sums it up. Another sign I want to make…”Don’t Pass on the Right, Idiot!”. One final bothersome thing that other drivers do occurs when approaching road construction or an accident where one lane of traffic is closed. You get the advanced warning of the upcoming lane closure and are advised to merge into one lane. But noooo, why not wait until the last minute and butt your way into the traffic that has already merged? Who wants to get stuck behind the truck? This only creates a hazard and greatly slows down the merging process going into that lane closure! Don’t even ask me about how I feel about those that talk on their cell phones or text while driving! Whew! Glad I got all that off my chest! But I know I’m preaching to the choir, right? And, of course, George and I are perfect drivers. (George really is a good driver!)

Now, with all that being said, I need to find my happy place…

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.”
– Anne Frank